Moms and dads are supposed to keep their children safe at the bare minimum. Sadly, parents are all too often the reason for kids’ injuries and even deaths. Recently, a couple was arrested after their 1-year-old was left unconscious after falling into a bucket of bleach.
The incident happened in late 2024 in the toddler’s Dubuque, Iowa, home. The parents, Scott Marcov, 30, and Madelyn Marcov, 28, have since been arrested in connection to the incident and face serious charges for their role in what happened.
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Police responded to a call late last year.
On October 1, 2024, authorities received a call about an unconscious 1-year-old, WSAZ reported. The child was taken to a hospital for acute respiratory failure, intubated, and then transferred to a different hospital. The case has been under investigation since then.
The 1-year-old became unconscious after falling into a bucket of bleach.
A criminal complaint stated that the toddler fell into a bucket of bleach water. His head was submerged for “an undisclosed amount of time.” Meanwhile, his mother was in the living room and his father was in the bathroom when it happened.
Reportedly, another child discovered the boy.
Two parents in Iowa were charged after their 1-year-old allegedly became unconscious from falling into a bucket of bleach water, according to authorities. https://t.co/ICXgssYqDn
— WMTV 15 News (@wmtv15news) February 28, 2025
The parents reportedly weren’t the ones who found the 1-year-old unconscious in the bucket of bleach. Another child in the home allegedly found the toddler and carried him to the living room while yelling for help. Madelyn Marcov then called 911, according to police.
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Police searched the ‘filthy’ home.
Later, police carried out a search warrant of the home, describing it as “filthy.” Officers reported seeing both live mice and one dead mouse in the kitchen. Additionally, they observed garbage and food on the floor and countertops, as well as a dirty diaper in a pot on the counter.
Scott and Madelyn Marcov have since been charged.
On February 26, 2025, charges were formally filed against the Marcovs, KCRG reported. Each was charged with neglect or abandonment of a dependent person. Thus far, it’s unclear when their next court appearance will be.
